PORT JERVIS, NY – Port Jervis Tourism Board, assisted by Port Jervis Fire Department, hosted an inaugural Delaware River Cardboard Boat Regatta and Beach Party  at West End Beach on August 23. 

Nine boats of creative design and varying sturdiness took to the water; all hoping to stay afloat and make it intact from start to finish. Four actually did complete the course, which ran from shore to a first buoy, around that and a second buoy, and ending where Port Jervis Dive Team boats were stationed at a third buoy and the finish line.

Tourism Board members, along the city’s recreation department, ambulance personnel, and Port Jervis Fire Department responders were on hand for the event, with rescue equipment should this be needed. There was a minor call for assistance by one of the boaters, but that boater went on to enjoy the remainder of the event once helped back to shore.

Organizers, plan to make this an annual event, complete with the appreciated food vendors, DJ, and others who helped to make this first time boat regatta a fun event and successful fundraiser aimed at helping the fire department.